Samu Kerevi (R) of the Reds celebrates a try with teammates during the round two Super Rugby match between the Melbourne Rebels and the Queensland Reds at AAMI Park on February 23, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Rugby Union

10 things to energise Queensland rugby in 2019

by By Jim Tucker

12th Feb 2019 7:29 AM
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After a difficult 2018 which brought 10 losses and just six wins, Queensland rugby fans need something to raise their spirits ahead of the next Super Rugby season.

Never fear, Jim Tucker is here - and he's bringing 10 reasons to be excited about the new season.

1 A RETURN TO THE FINALS

There is no other pass mark for the Reds in 2019 than reaching the Super Rugby finals for the first time since 2013. The Durban-based Sharks snuck into eighth spot last year with seven wins and draw from 16 games so it's not Mt Everest.

More try-scoring punch (for valuable bonus points), beating NSW, winning a few on the road and turning Suncorp Stadium into a fortress again are the building blocks.

2 WORLD CUP WATCH

Samu Kerevi, Izack Rodda and "Tongan Thor" Taniela Tupou look to have a lock on key World Cup roles for the Wallabies in Japan (September 20-November 2).

Which Reds can rise to join them?

Flanker project Lukhan Salakaia-Loto is definitely one forceful figure who has the right make-up.

Wing recruit Sefa Naivalu is a real flyer who can build on his three-Test comeback late last year.

Winger-centre Jordan Petaia is an exhilarating talent to follow because he would still be just 19 if he forces a Cup squad berth with a string of rousing Reds displays.

3 BEATING THE NSW WARATAHS

Did we mention that already? The lame recent record against Queensland's most traditional foe has now stretched to an embarrassing NINE straight losses.

Circle March 9 at the SCG and May 18 at Suncorp Stadium as the dates for a turning point in history.

You can't bang on about the pride in the reactivated maroon jersey and be subservient as serial losers on interstate night. It's way overdue to sip from the Templeton Cup because some don't even remember what it looks like.